Audi dismantles the new RS 6 during Nürburgring tests

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – From a production volume perspective, the case is clear: Audi’s most important premieres this year are the next generation of the Q7 and the debut Q9, which is especially decisive in the USA. Additionally, the A2 returns. As a pure electric car. The A1 and Q2 have to make room for it. But enthusiasts are not left out either: the new RS 5 will soon be followed by the big brother RS 6.

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Before the super station wagon rolls into the spotlight (there will likely be an RS 6 sedan again for the first time in a long time), the Ingolstadt team is giving the car its final touches at the Nürburgring. CarSpyMedia recently caught the upcoming RS 6 Avant during test drives – but with an unfortunate outcome. During a lap on the Nordschleife, the test driver lost control and crashed into the tire barrier, causing minor damage to the development vehicle.

Although the slight impact affected the bodywork, the RS 6 was able to continue driving – albeit only at walking pace. One could be mean and ask to what extent the weight played a role here. It is clear: the switch to a plug-in hybrid drive will likely bring a noticeable weight increase for the new RS 6 as well.

For context: The new RS 5 weighs 2,370 kilograms without the driver. However, the RS 6 will be larger. Which engine will be used is still open. There are many reasons to keep the V8, if only to not alienate the huge RS 6 fan base. However, the prototype sounds suspiciously like it has the V6 from the RS 5 on board.

The acoustic drama of a V8 is somewhat missing in the video. Given the increasingly strict regulations in Europe, a move to a six-cylinder would not be surprising, even though BMW continues to rely on V8 power in the M5. If Audi actually switches the RS 6 to a six-cylinder, it would have to be more powerful than the RS 5. The latter delivers a combined 639 hp and 825 Nm of torque. The 2.9-liter biturbo V6 provides 510 hp and 600 Nm.

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Audi RS6 at the Nürburgring

Both body variants of the RS 6 are expected to be unveiled this year. The main competitor is, as mentioned, the BMW M5, which delivers 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Mercedes-AMG currently has no E 63 in the lineup, but Affalterbach has committed to V8 engines in the long term.

Motor1 says: Even though the new RS 6 will inevitably become lead-heavy due to the plug-in hybrid drive, we are glad that Audi is bringing another generation of its long-standing RS model. The harsh reality in 2026 is: electrification is a necessary evil to meet emission targets – but we would be disappointed if the V8 really became history.

BMW managed it with the M5, and let’s be honest: a six-cylinder would drastically reduce the RS 6’s chances of success. We should know more about this in the coming months.

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Source: CarSpyMedia / YouTube